House of Flying Daggers [Shi mian mai fu] **** (2004, Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Ziyi) – Classic Movie Review 2769

Chinese Imperial officers Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro try to infiltrate the subversive Flying Daggers group and Kaneshiro ends up with a beautiful blind girl (Zhang Ziyi) battling pursuing warriors in the forested landscapes.

The rip-roaring action and eye-popping visuals are stunning in this thrilling, dazzling martial arts epic, with the most imaginative, stylish work from Zhang Yimou, the director of Hero – and this time it’s even more amazing. A richly satisfying visual and emotional treat.

Rated PG-13 for sequences of stylised martial arts violence, and some sexuality.

Xiaoding Zhao was Oscar nominated for Best Achievement in Cinematography.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2769

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